Sussex ecology, done right.

In many cases, yes. Local planning authorities often require ecological information where a site has the potential to support protected species or priority habitats. A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is usually the first step. It identifies ecological constraints and determines whether any further species-specific surveys are needed to support a planning application.

A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) is the first stage of most ecological assessments for planning applications. It combines a desk study (reviewing planning records, designated sites, and biological records) with a site walkover survey to assess habitats, identify the potential for protected species, and determine whether any further ecological surveys are required to support your development proposal.

Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a planning requirement in England that requires most developments to leave biodiversity in a measurably better state than before development. In most cases, planning applications must demonstrate a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity value, either on-site, off-site, or through the purchase of biodiversity units. BNG was introduced under the Environment Act 2021 and is now a mandatory requirement for most developments in England.

Traditional great crested newt surveys are typically undertaken between mid-March and mid-June, with four survey visits usually required to determine presence or likely absence. Environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys can be carried out between 15 April and 30 June and often provide a faster way to establish whether great crested newts are present in a pond. Early planning is recommended, as missing the survey season can delay planning applications until the following year.

Preliminary Roost Assessments (PRAs) can be undertaken throughout the year. If further surveys are required, dusk emergence surveys of buildings and trees, as well as bat activity surveys, are typically carried out between May and September, with the optimal survey period for dusk emergence surveys falling between May and August. Bat hibernation surveys are undertaken during the winter months, usually between December and February. Early assessment is recommended to avoid seasonal survey constraints affecting project timelines.

A Phase 1 survey (now commonly referred to as a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal or PEA) is a broad habitat assessment that identifies ecological constraints and the potential for protected species on a site. Phase 2 surveys are targeted, species-specific surveys carried out where Phase 1 findings indicate potential presence, such as bat surveys, great crested newt surveys, or reptile surveys.

Turnaround depends on the survey type and the time of year. A Preliminary Ecological Appraisal (PEA) report is typically completed within around one month of the site visit, allowing time for receipt and review of Local Records Centre data and other supporting ecological information. Protected species surveys are constrained by seasonal survey windows and ecological requirements, which can also influence programme timescales.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) testing detects the presence of great crested newts (GCN) from genetic material left in pond water. A single water sample, analysed in a Natural England-approved laboratory, can indicate whether GCN are likely to be present in or using the pond. It is a faster, less invasive alternative to traditional survey methods such as bottle trapping, egg searching, and torchlight surveys.

Yes. We prepare and submit European Protected Species (EPS) licence applications to Natural England for a range of protected species, including all associated supporting documentation such as method statements, reasoned statements, and post-licence compliance monitoring.

Yes. Our head office is in Pulborough, West Sussex, but we work across South East England. Share your site postcode, red line boundary and a short project description, and we'll come back with a clear scope, indicative timescales and a fixed quote.